Japan paid leave usage reaches record high amid labor reforms

Paid leave usage in Japan has reached a record high of 66.9 percent according to the Reiwa 7 Comprehensive Survey of Working Conditions. The government has set a target to reach 70 percent by 2028, driven by work-style reform laws that mandate employers to ensure employees with 10 or more days of annual leave take at least five days per year.

Legal experts emphasize that paid leave rights apply to all employment types, including part-time and casual workers, provided they have worked for at least six months and maintained an attendance rate of at least 80 percent. For those working fewer days per week, leave is granted on a proportional basis.

Concurrently, data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicates a rise in job transitions, with 3.79 million people changing jobs in 2023. Common reasons for leaving employment include working hours, holidays, leave conditions, interpersonal relationships, and mental health.